Director of Contract Management

Job Description

The Contract Manager plays a key role in managing the full contract management life cycle within the Corporate Procurement function-from intake and drafting through negotiation, execution, and post-signature tracking. This role is essential to ensuring third-party agreements are strategically developed, thoroughly reviewed, and executed with precision-balancing speed, risk mitigation, regulatory compliance, and business alignment. The Contract Specialist exercises independent judgement and discretion in reviewing and negotiating legal and commercial terms to ensure contracts align with organization policies, regulatory requirements, and risk tolerance. This position partners closely with Legal, Risk Domain Experts, and business stakeholders to streamline workflows, reduce cycle times, and improve visibility into supplier obligations. This role directly supports Corporate Procurement's mandate to establish scalable, efficient, and risk-conscious contracting practices that advance strategic objects.

Essential Functions
* Manage the full contract management life cycle - from intake and drafting through negotiation, execution, and post-signature tracking
* Draft, redline, and review a variety of commercial agreements, including but not limited to: Master Services Agreements, Non-Disclosure Agreements, Software Licenses, and Software as a Service Agreements
* Lead or support contract negotiations with suppliers, ensuring terms are commercially sound, compliant with internal standards, and aligned with business objectives
* Develop and maintain strong working relationships with internal stakeholders (Legal, Risk, IT, Business Units) to understand needs, communicate risks, and ensure smooth contract execution
* Serve as a key point of contact for suppliers during the contracting process, fostering collaboration and accountability
* Identify contractual risks and propose practical solutions that protect the organization without impeding operational goals
* Maintain organized records and support contract version control, status tracking, and key date monitoring
* Support continuous improvement initiatives, including playbook development, process enhancements, and future implementation of contract management tools
* Educate stakeholders on contracting standards, approval workflows, and policy requirements
* Adopt and apply contracting best practices to enhance operational efficiency, reduce risk, and drive - consistency - ensuring all activities are conducted in accordance with company policies, ethical standards, and applicable regulatory requirements

Additional Essential Functions
* Ensure compliance with Northwest's policies and procedures, and Federal/State regulations
* Navigate Microsoft Office Software, computer applications, and software specific to the department in order to maximize technology tools and gain efficiency
* Work as part of a team
* Work with on-site equipment

QUALIFICATIONS
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education
Bachelor's Degree In business, legal studies, supply chain, or a related field.

Work Experience
8 - 12 years Experience supporting contract lifecycle activities within Procurement, Legal, or a related function
8 - 12 years Managerial experience

Additional Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Demonstrated experience drafting, redlining, and negotiating commercial agreements with third-party suppliers
Proven ability to collaborate cross-functionally with internal stakeholders and external suppliers to advance contracting objectives and support business needs
Experience in applying contracting best practices to improve efficiency and reduce legal and operational risk
Experience in managing a various contract type, including professional services, technology, and data-related agreements
Working knowledge of procurement-related policies and regulatory requirements, particularly within regulated industries such as financial services
Familiarity with internal governance processes and working with cross-functional review partners, including Legal, Risk, and IT Security
Experience collaborating with suppliers and resolving contract-related discrepancies is a plus
Hands-on experience with Microsoft Excel for advanced data tracking, reporting, and analysis
Experience with e-procurement platforms (e.g., SAP, Ariba, Coupa, Workday)

Northwest is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.